Which 1 to Pick from Santa Maria Novella?

Dear Friends,
Heading to Florence,Italy - i'd reckon theres a Santa Maria Novella Store over there - which 1 Bottle, would you recommend? I've only smelled Patchouli from SMN and definitely not my favorite - but heaard good things about the others - appreciate it!

Re: Which 1 to Pick from Santa Maria Novella?

Peau d'Espagne is the only SMN I own so far... I highly recommend it: it's a very feisty, butch and rewarding leather. I also really like their Vetiver and Nostalgia (and the Patchouli, which you didn't enjoy...).

Re: Which 1 to Pick from Santa Maria Novella?

One of the great things about Santa Maria Novella is they have so many fragrances and trying them out in the store can be a fun discovery experience. My favorite from SMN is Patchouli and you already said you don't like that one, but I recommend you try their entire range and find something that is custom fitted to your sensibility. Those monks have been creating fragrances for many years and I am sure you will find something hidden in their centuries of healing odors that fits you perfectly. Their biggest seller is Melograno (pomegranate?) - try that one. Others that I have enjoyed very much are: Potpourri, Nostalgia, Tobacco Toscano, Vetiver, Marasciella, Peau de Espagne, Acqua di Cuba, Hay and they have a nice SMN Cologne. They also do some limited edition scents - 100 yr. anniversary fragrances, etc. - sometimes you can only find these at their shops, particularly the store in Florence, so ask for those. Even though they have lots of variety their fragrances tend to be on the extreme or heavy side of things. Many of them have an old world soaked in birch bark vibe - which I really like. My personal favorites from the line are: Marasciella, Potpourri, Nostalgia, Patchouli, Acqua di Cuba, but don't deny yourself the discovery of new things that fit you. For instance, my girlfriend and I each have a bottle of Marasciella and we love it, but rarely do I hear of anyone else talking it up. It is made from a couple of kinds of nutmeg and mace and is very unusual but has a strong healing vibe. Nutmeg was considered a hallucinogen back in the herbally proficient middle ages - Marasciella is a real find in my opinion. Have fun exploring.

Potpouri and Opoponax ("sweet myrrh") are far and away my favorites. I also really enjoyed Aqua di Sicilia...I can't imagine feeling even the slightest bit unhappy wearing this juice. Of the remaining, I'd order them from most to least favorite Tabacco Toscano, Ottone, Citta di Kyoto, Eau de SMN, then Iris (did not like this one).

I agree with others' recommendations that you test several offerings before pulling the trigger on any. Have fun!

Re: Which 1 to Pick from Santa Maria Novella?

Another vote for Potpourri. This is a very complex, intriguing scent. I never get the depths of it, it has endless layers. At times cool, at times warm; at times spicy and at other times almost stewed-fruity. Powerful and shines in cool weather, yet performs effortlessly in even hot humid weather (such as Rome in July when I first sampled it.) It is magnificent and quite unique!

Re: Which 1 to Pick from Santa Maria Novella?

Originally Posted by barclaydetolly

Buy the soap! Sapone di Madorle, I believe. Almond soap. To me, it's the finest soap made on the planet right now.

The patchouli soap smells amazing (better than the patchouli perfume to me), I would highly recommend it. I really like Santa Maria Novella EDC but if you're allergic to orange blossom I guess that's not an option.

Re: Which 1 to Pick from Santa Maria Novella?

It really depends on your tastes but, to appreciate SMN's stuff you have to be fine with "rough" perfumery as opposed to "haute perfumery". Their fragrances have a rusticness inherent to them that is exactly what makes them so appealing (at least to some)...

Here are a bunch of my favorites...

Peau D'Espagne
Melograno
Ottone
Nostalgia
Sandalo
Acqua Di Cuba

I also find their Agrumi di Sicilia to be a very nice take on the citrusy cologne theme, but don't expect lasting power from this one...